MEMS Sensor Differential Capacitance Circuit for Precision Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MEMS sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, face challenges in improving their detection characteristics, including sensitivity, linearity, and noise suppression.

Innovation Solution

The proposed sensor design includes a first detection element with a base body, a support portion, a movable member, detection electrodes, and counter detection electrodes. A differential circuit outputs a signal based on the capacitance difference between the detection electrodes and the movable member, enhancing vibration detection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional MEMS sensor structures are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection precision and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor structure is divided into multiple independent beams (first beam, second beam, third beam, fourth beam) that are segmented and arranged symmetrically around the proof mass. Each beam functions as an independent detection element with its own capacitive sensing mechanism. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect signals from multiple directions simultaneously while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs symmetric arrangement of beams rather than asymmetry. Four beams are positioned at equal intervals (90 degrees) around the proof mass, creating a balanced symmetric structure. This symmetry enables differential measurement that cancels out common-mode noise and improves detection precision while maintaining structural regularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Measurement precision

If simple capacitive sensing is used, then device complexity is low, but sensitivity and linearity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple capacitive sensing mechanisms into a unified detection system. The first and second beams form one capacitive sensing pair, while the third and fourth beams form another pair. These are integrated with differential circuits that process signals from both pairs simultaneously, merging multiple detection functions into a single coordinated system that enhances sensitivity through signal integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The differential circuits process capacitor signals from multiple beams and generate feedback signals that are used to drive the proof mass vibration. This feedback mechanism enables active control of the proof mass motion, optimizing the detection signal amplitude and improving sensitivity while maintaining linearity through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If single-beam detection is used, then structure is simple, but noise suppression capability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise suppressionVSAvoiddetection element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent beam units (four beams total) that function as separate detection elements. Each beam independently senses capacitive changes, and their signals are processed differentially. This segmentation provides spatial diversity that enables noise rejection through differential measurement, as random noise in individual beams cancels out when combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses symmetric arrangement of four beams positioned at 90-degree intervals around the proof mass. This symmetric configuration enables differential measurement where signals from opposite beams are compared, canceling out common-mode noise while preserving the differential signal that contains the actual measurement information, thereby improving noise suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design achieves high sensitivity, good linearity, and effective noise suppression, allowing for accurate detection of external forces and vibrations, thereby improving the overall characteristics of the sensor.

Implementation Method 1

A first gap is provided between the base body and the first movable member. The first detection electrode is fixed to the base body. The first counter detection electrode is fixed to the base body. The first differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first detection electrode and the first extending portion, and a capacitance between the first counter detection electrode and the first extending portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4242667B1Sensor and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4242667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242667B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4242667B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a first detection element, and a controller. The first detection element includes a base body, a first support portion, a first movable member, a first detection electrode, and a first counter detection electrode. The first support portion is fixed to the base body. The first movable member is supported by the first support portion. The first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrodes are fixed to the base body. The first movable member includes a first movable portion. The first movable portion includes a first beam, a first conductive extending portion, and a first connecting portion. The first conductive extending portion includes a first extending portion, a first extending other portion, and a first extending intermediate. The first extending portion is between the first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrodes. The controller includes a first differential circuit.